Optimized whitewater helmet design

ABSTRACT

An improved padding system for a helmet and process for designing the padding system are described. In one example, a helmet for an individual can include an outer shell having an inner surface. The helmet can further include a padding system coupled to the inner surface. The padding system can include pad clusters that are respectively positioned at different locations on the inner surface. Each of the pad clusters can include discrete pads that are individually coupled to the inner surface in a defined arrangement. In one example, the defined arrangement can be a certain arrangement that allows the discrete pads to collectively provide a desired system stiffness for the padding system. The desired system stiffness in this example can be a certain system stiffness that can reduce at least one of peak linear or peak rotational accelerations to the head of the individual during an impact.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/365,657, titled “Optimized Whitewater Helmet Design,” filed Jun. 1, 2022, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

More than six million people participate in whitewater kayaking and rafting in the United States each year. Unfortunately, with these six million whitewater participants come 50 deaths annually, making it one of the highest fatality rates of all sports. As the popularity in whitewater activities grows, the number of injuries, including concussions, also increases. Acute injuries account for 58% of whitewater injuries, with 47% being musculoskeletal injuries. Acute head injuries occur from either contact with other paddler's equipment or from contact with objects outside of the vessel, such as rocks. Head, neck, and face injuries are frequent among paddlers across all skill levels, and they are considered to be the most severe. Of all possible injuries, head injuries are the most life threatening. The head injuries are so severe that 77% of participants who sustain head injuries require medical attention.

The most common mechanism of whitewater head injuries is contact against underwater objects with the forehead area and the side of the eye socket. This primarily occurs when a participant either capsizes or falls out of the vessel. Once in fast-moving rapids, hidden rocks and other rigid objects beneath the water's surface pose a high risk of head injury and death. Severe head impact events often cause a participant to become unconscious, which then leads to death due to drowning. The highest recorded flow rate of a whitewater river is 5 m/s, which implies that it is very unlikely that any underwater head impact will have a head impact velocity greater than 5 m/s. Because of the high head injury risk, there is a high helmet usage rate among whitewater sports.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to an improved helmet that can reduce at least one of peak linear or peak rotational accelerations to the head of a person wearing the helmet during an impact. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an improved inner padding system that can be used in various types of helmets such as, for instance, a whitewater helmet. The inner padding system can include discrete inner pads that can each be formed using one or more materials having one or more stiffnesses. Examples of such materials can include vinyl nitrile 600 (VN 600), vinyl nitrile 740 (VN 740), vinyl nitrile 1000 (VN 1000), or another vinyl nitrile material. The inner pads can be independently coupled to an inner surface of an outer shell of a helmet. The inner pads can be arranged on the inner surface such that they collectively provide a certain system stiffness that can reduce at least one of peak linear or rotational accelerations to a user's head during an impact.

In some examples, the helmet of the present disclosure can further include an outer padding system that, when used in combination with the inner padding system described herein, can further reduce such peak linear and/or rotational accelerations to a user's head during an impact. The outer padding system can include one or more outer pads that can be coupled to an outer surface of an outer shell of a helmet. Each of the one or more outer pads can be formed using, for instance, at least one of the vinyl nitrile materials noted above. In addition to further reducing peak linear and/or rotational accelerations as described above, the outer padding system can also provide at least some protection for a person that may be near an individual wearing a helmet that includes the outer padding system.

According to an example, a helmet for an individual can include an outer shell having an inner surface. The helmet can further include a padding system coupled to the inner surface. The padding system can include pad clusters that are respectively positioned at different locations on the inner surface. Each of the pad clusters can include discrete pads that are individually coupled to the inner surface in a defined arrangement. In one example, the defined arrangement can be a certain arrangement that allows the discrete pads to collectively provide a desired system stiffness for the padding system. The desired system stiffness in this example can be a certain system stiffness that can reduce at least one of peak linear or rotational accelerations to the head of the individual during an impact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, repeated use of reference characters or numerals in the figures is intended to represent the same or analogous features, elements, or operations across different figures. Repeated description of such repeated reference characters or numerals is omitted for brevity.

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an example helmet according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of another example helmet according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of another example helmet according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of another example helmet according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example force versus displacement graph according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example chart of peak linear head accelerations according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B illustrates an example chart of peak rotational head accelerations according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example computer-implemented method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an example computing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted above, due to the high risk of a head injury, there is a high helmet usage rate among whitewater sports. While fit, comfort, and stability are all important factors that affect the protection provided by a helmet, the helmet material is considered to be the driving component for protection. In particular, the helmet material having a certain stiffness that allows the helmet padding and the helmet as a whole to reduce at least one of peak linear or peak rotational acceleration to a user's head is considered to be the material that can provide improved protection during an impact.

Many existing helmets include an inner protective lining formed with expanded polypropylene (EPP) or expanded polystyrene (EPS) to reduce linear and rotational acceleration to a person's brain in the event of an impact. However, a problem with such helmets is that the EPP or EPS liner is often either too stiff or too soft to effectively mitigate linear and rotational acceleration to a user's head during an impact. Helmets having an EPP or EPS liner that is too stiff do not absorb enough of the energy from an impact to effectively mitigate the linear and rotational acceleration to the user's head during the impact. In contrast, helmets having an EPP or EPS liner that is too soft can absorb too much of the energy to best mitigate injury during the impact.

Another problem with existing helmets that include an EPP or EPS liner is that these liners are frangible. In response to an impact, the EPP or EPS liner can crack, break apart, and/or fail to return to its original shape. Consequently, any portion of the EPP or EPS liner that is cracked, broken apart, and/or fails to return to its original shape after an initial impact will not effectively protect an individual's head in the event of a subsequent impact.

In the context of whitewater helmets specifically, a problem with many of such helmets is that they do not provide any protection for individuals that may be near a person wearing such a helmet during an accident. As such, during an accident, any person near an individual wearing such a helmet is at risk of being injured by the helmet, in particular, the outer shell of the helmet.

The present disclosure provides solutions to address the above-described problems associated with helmets in general and with respect to the existing helmets described above. To overcome such limitations, various examples of the present disclosure describe an improved inner padding system that can be used in different types of helmets to reduce at least one of peak linear or peak rotational accelerations to a user's head during an impact. The inner padding system can include discrete inner pads that can function independently and collectively to provide a certain, desired system stiffness that can reduce such peak linear and/or peak rotational accelerations. To achieve this, each of the discrete inner pads can be formed using one or more non-frangible materials that each have a certain stiffness. Additionally, the inner pads can be independently coupled to an inner surface of a helmet according to a particular arrangement that allows the inner pads to collectively provide the desired system stiffness noted above.

In addition, some examples of the present disclosure further described an outer padding system that, when used in combination with the inner padding system described herein, can further reduce such peak linear and/or peak rotational accelerations to a user's head during an impact. The outer padding system can include one or more outer pads that can be coupled to an outer surface of a helmet that also includes the inner padding system described herein. In addition to further reducing peak linear and/or peak rotational accelerations as described above, the outer padding system can also provide at least some protection for a person that may be near an individual wearing a helmet that includes the outer padding system.

The helmet of the present disclosure provides several technical benefits and advantages. For example, the inner padding system described herein provides a relatively lower stiffness and relatively higher energy absorption that is ideal for lowering head injury risk because of its ability to absorb the impact force at a high rate. Additionally, the vinyl nitrile materials described herein that can be used to form the inner and outer padding systems are non-frangible. The use of such materials allows the pads of the inner and outer padding systems to sustain multiple impacts without padding degradation and without compromising the degree of protection provided for the user during multiple impacts.

For context, FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an example helmet 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The helmet 100 can be embodied as a helmet for an individual 102, such as a user that can wear the helmet 100. The individual 102 can be a person of any age such as, for instance, an infant, a toddler, a child, a teenager, or an adult. The helmet 100 can be embodied as a helmet that can be used by the individual 102 to perform various land or water-based sports or activities. In one example, the helmet 100 can be embodied as a helmet that can be worn by the individual 102 when whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, boating, water skiing, and jet skiing, among other water-based activities. As described herein, the helmet 100 can be designed such that it can reduce at least one of linear or rotational acceleration to the head of the individual 102 during an impact.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the helmet 100 being worn by the individual 102, as well as an underside view of the helmet 100. The underside view depicted in FIG. 1 shows example internal components that can be included in the helmet 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to the views of the helmet 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 , the helmet 100 can include an outer shell 104, a helmet securing system 106, and an inner padding system 108, among other components in some cases. As denoted in FIG. 1 , the helmet 100 can include a front region, a back region, a top region, a right-side region, and a left-side region.

As illustrated in the views of the helmet 100 depicted in FIG. 1 , the outer shell 104 can include an outer surface 110 and an inner surface 112. The helmet securing system 106 can be coupled to at least one of the outer surface 110 or the inner surface 112 of the outer shell 104. The helmet securing system 106 can also be coupled or extended through the outer shell 104 in some cases. In this way, the helmet securing system 106 can be configured and operable to secure the helmet 100 to the head of the individual 102.

As illustrated in the underside view of the helmet 100 depicted in FIG. 1 , the inner padding system 108 can include a plurality of pads (collectively “pads 114”), including the pad 114, among others, that can each be individually (i.e., independently) coupled to the inner surface 112 of the outer shell 104. Only a single pad 114 is denoted or referenced in FIG. 1 for clarity. Each of the pads 114 can be embodied as a discrete pad that can be independent from one or more other pads 114. For instance, at least one of the shape, size, material, properties, functionality, or location of each of the pads 114 can be defined independently from one or more other pads 114.

Additionally, while each of the pads 114 can be embodied as a discrete pad, the pads 114 can function in a collective manner (i.e., as the inner padding system 108) to achieve a desired result. For example, the pads 114 can function in a collective manner to reduce at least one of the linear or rotational acceleration to the head of the individual 102 during an impact to the helmet 100. To achieve this, each of the pads 114 can be designed and located at a certain position on the inner surface 112 of the outer shell 104, such that the pads 114 can collectively provide the inner padding system 108 with a certain system stiffness or effective stiffness that can reduce such linear and/or rotational acceleration during an impact.

The system stiffness of the inner padding system 108 is at least partly dependent on, and can be varied by modifying, at least one of the shape or size of one or more of the pads 114. As an example, the pads 114 illustrated in FIG. 1 have a cylindrical shape that allows each of the pads 114 to individually compress, bend, and/or twist in response to a dynamic load (i.e., force) applied during an impact. The degree to which each of the pads 114 can independently compress, bend, and/or twist affects the system stiffness of the inner padding system 108. In some examples, any or all of the pads 114 can have a solid cylindrical shape or a hollow cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape can be selected for the ability of the pads 114 to bend and twist to some extent in response to loads or forces applied during an impact. However, in some cases, one or more of the pads 114 can have another shape that allows for such independent compression, bending, and/or twisting in response to a dynamic load. For example, one or more of the pads 114 can have a cubic, rectangular cubic, or another shape.

In addition, the system stiffness of the inner padding system 108 is at least partly dependent on, and can be varied by modifying, the total surface area of all the pads 114 that contact the head of the individual 102. As such, the size and location of each of the pads 114, as well as the total quantity of the pads 114 on the inner surface 112 of the outer shell 104 also affects the system stiffness of the inner padding system 108. Further, the system stiffness of the inner padding system 108 is at least partly dependent on, and can be varied by modifying, the material of one or more of the pads 114. In particular, the stiffness or stiffnesses of the material or materials used to form each of the pads 114 affects the degree to which each of the pads 114 can independently compress, bend, and/or twist, which affects the overall system stiffness of the inner padding system 108.

To collectively provide the inner padding system 108 with a certain system stiffness that can reduce linear and/or rotational acceleration during impact, each of the pads 114 can be embodied as a discrete, solid cylindrical pad that can be independently coupled to the inner surface 112 of the outer shell 104 as illustrated in FIG. 1 . For instance, any or all of the pads 114 can be individually coupled to the inner surface 112 by way of at least one of an adhesive, double-sided tape, a fastener, or another coupling component. In one specific example, each of the pads 114 can be formed to a diameter of approximately 3.75 centimeters (cm) and a height of approximately 2.7 cm. However, in some cases, any or all of the pads 114 can be formed to a diameter that is greater or less than 3.75 cm and/or a height that is greater or less than 2.7 cm. Additionally, any or all of the pads 114 can be formed using a single material having a single stiffness value or multiple materials having different stiffness values.

In one example, any or all of the pads 114 can be formed using at least one of vinyl nitrile 600 (VN 600), vinyl nitrile 740 (VN 740), vinyl nitrile 1000 (VN 1000), or another vinyl nitrile material. In the example depicted in FIG. 1 , each of the pads 114 can be formed using VN 600 to collectively provide the inner padding system 108 with a certain system stiffness that can reduce linear and/or rotational acceleration during an impact.

In addition, to achieve such a certain system stiffness for the inner padding system 108, the pads 114 can be arranged in pad clusters at particular locations or regions on the inner surface 112 of the outer shell 104. In the example depicted in FIG. 1 , the pads 114 are arranged in pad clusters located at five different regions on the inner surface 112 of the outer shell 104. In particular, the pads 114 in this example are arranged in pad clusters “F,” “B,” “T,” “R,” and “L” that respectively correspond to and the front, back, top, right-side, and left-side regions of the helmet 100. However, the pads 114 can be arranged in pad clusters located at additional and/or other regions on the inner surface 112 in some cases.

To collectively provide the inner padding system 108 with a certain system stiffness, each of the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L can include a particular quantity of the pads 114. In some cases, the quantity of the pads 114 in each of the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L can be the same. In other cases, the quantity of the pads 114 in at least one of the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L can be different than the quantity of the pads 114 in one or more other pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L. In the example depicted in FIG. 1 , each of the pad clusters B, R, and L include five of the pads 114, while the pad cluster T includes four of the pads 114 and the pad cluster F includes eight of the pads 114. Although the example depicted in FIG. 1 includes twenty-seven of the pads 114, the present disclosure is not so limited. For example, any of the helmets described herein, including the helmet 100, can include a number of the pads 114 that is greater or less than twenty-seven.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1 , each of the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L also include a particular pad arrangement and spacing of the pads 114 that can achieve a certain system stiffness for the inner padding system 108. In this example, while the pad arrangement and spacing of the pads 114 in the pad clusters R and L are the same or similar, the pad arrangement and spacing of the pads 114 in each of the pad clusters F, T, and B are different from one another and different from each of the pad clusters R and L. Although the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L in the example depicted in FIG. 1 each include a particular pad arrangement and spacing of their respective pads 114, the present disclosure is not so limited. For example, any of the helmets described herein, including the helmet 100, can include pad clusters having different pad arrangements and/or spacing than what is shown in FIG. 1 .

It should be appreciated that the particular arrangement of the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L on the inner surface 112 of the outer shell 104, as well as the shape, size, material, stiffness, quantity, arrangement, and spacing of the pads 114 within any or all of such pad clusters illustrated in FIG. 1 can be modified in some cases. In particular, the arrangement of the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L and/or the shape, size, material, stiffness, quantity, arrangement, and spacing of the pads 114 within any or all of such pad clusters can be modified to achieve a desired system stiffness for the inner padding system 108 that is different from that which can be achieved with the example depicted in FIG. 1 . For example, the pads in a first pad cluster can be designed to have a first shape, size, material, stiffness, quantity, arrangement, and spacing, and the pads in a second pad cluster can be designed to have a second and different shape, size, material, stiffness, quantity, arrangement, and spacing. In a more particular example, the pads in the F pad cluster can be designed to have a first size, material, stiffness, quantity, arrangement, and spacing, and the pads in the T pad cluster can be designed to have a second and different size, material, stiffness, quantity, arrangement, and spacing, as shown in FIG. 1 . All such modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The outer shell 104 can be formed using a rigid material, a flexible material, or a combination thereof. For instance, the outer shell 104 can be formed using at least one of a pure material, an alloy material, a composite material, a metal material, a polymer material, a plastic material, an elastic material, a thermoplastic material, or another material. In one example, the outer shell 104 can be formed using polycarbonate. In another example, the outer shell 104 can be formed using nylon. In another example, the outer shell 104 can be formed using fiber glass. In another example, the outer shell 104 can be formed using carbon fiber.

The outer shell 104 can be formed using any number of manufacturing processes or techniques such as, for example, injection molding, additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, or another process. In some cases, the outer shell 104 can be formed using, for instance, at least one of an additive manufacturing device, application, or process. In one example, the outer shell 104 can be formed using at least one of a three-dimensional (3D) printing device (e.g., a 3D printer), application, or process. For example, a computing device described herein such as, for instance, a computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, or another computing device can be used to implement a 3D printing application and/or to operate a 3D printer to form the outer shell 104 using a 3D printing process.

The outer shell 104 can be formed such that it accommodates one or more components of the helmet 100 such as, for instance, the inner padding system 108, the helmet securing system 106, or another component. To achieve this, the outer shell 104 can be formed to any number of shapes, sizes, and configurations (e.g., with or without holes, grooves, or other features). In one specific example, the outer shell 104 can be formed to a length (i.e., as measured from the top to the bottom of the page) of approximately 28.5 cm, a height of approximately 13 cm above a midline of the helmet 100, and a thickness of approximately 4 millimeters (mm). However, the outer shell 104 can be formed to other dimensions in some cases to accommodate one or more components of the helmet 100. For instance, in some cases, the outer shell 104 can be formed to a length that is greater or less than 28.5 cm, a height that is greater or less than 13 cm above the midline of the helmet 100, and/or a thickness that is greater or less than 4 mm.

As noted above, the helmet securing system 106 can be coupled to at least one of the outer surface 110 or the inner surface 112 of the outer shell 104 such that it can secure the helmet 100 to the head of the individual 102. The helmet securing system 106 can also be configured and operable to fine tune one or more fit, comfort, or stability features of at least one of the helmet 100 or the inner padding system 108. For instance, the helmet securing system 106 can be configured and operable to fine tune the fit and positioning of the helmet 100 and the inner padding system 108 on the head of the individual 102. For example, the helmet securing system 106 can be configured and operable to adjust the vertical (i.e., up and down), horizontal (i.e., left, right, forward, and backward), and circumferential (i.e., around the head) fit and positioning of the helmet 100 and the inner padding system 108 on the head of the individual 102. The helmet securing system 106 can include at least one of a strap or straps, a fastener device, a tightening device, another helmet securing component, or any combination thereof.

The helmet securing system 106 can include one or more adjustable chin straps (e.g., cloth or textile straps) coupled to an adjustable fastener device (e.g., a male-female clip device, a quick release buckle, or a D-ring unit). The adjustable chin straps and adjustable fastener device can be collectively configured and operable to allow for securing and adjusting the fit and positioning of the helmet 100 and the inner padding system 108 on the head of the individual 102. In another example, the helmet securing system 106 can include one or more adjustable head straps (e.g., cloth or textile straps) coupled to a tightening device (e.g., a ratcheting device). The adjustable head straps and tightening device can be collectively configured and operable to allow for tightening and adjusting the circumferential fit and positioning of the helmet 100 and the inner padding system 108 around the circumference of the head of the individual 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of another example helmet 200 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The helmet 200 is an example of an alternative embodiment of the helmet 100 described above with reference to FIG. 1 . The difference between the helmet 200 and the helmet 100 is that the helmet 200 includes a number of fitting pads 202 a, 202 b, 202 c, 202 d (collectively, “the fitting pads 202”) that can be coupled to at least one of the pads 114.

In the example depicted in FIG. 2 , there are four fitting pads 202 a, 202 b, 202 c, 202 d coupled to and positioned over one or more of the pads 114. In this example, one the fitting pads 202 is coupled to and positioned over at least one of the pads 114 in each of the pad clusters F, B, R, and L. In this example, each of the fitting pads 202 has an oval shape. However, in some cases, more than one fitting pad 202 can be coupled to and positioned over the pads 114 in any or all of the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L. Additionally, in some cases, any or all of the fitting pads 202 can have a shape other than an oval shape such as, for instance, a rectangular shape, a triangle shape, or another shape. In one example, each of the fitting pads 202 can have a thickness of approximately 1 cm. However, in some cases, any or all of the fitting pads 202 can have a thickness that is greater or less than 1 cm. The fitting pads 202 can be formed using at least one of VN 600, VN 740, or VN 1000, or a different material in some cases. In some cases, the fitting pads 202 can be formed using different materials. For example, the fitting pad 202 a can be formed from VN 600, and the fitting pad 202 d can be formed from VN 740.

The fitting pads 202 can allow for the helmet 200 to better fit the individual 102 when worn, as compared to the helmet 100. The fitting pads 202 can also allow for the helmet 200 to be properly positioned and stable on the head of the individual 102 when worn. The fitting pads 202 can further provide additional comfort for the individual 102 when wearing the helmet 200.

In addition, in some cases, the fitting pads 202 can be used to fill any gap or gaps that may exist between the head of the individual 102 and the pads 114 when the helmet 200 is worn by the individual 102. In one example, the fitting pads 202 can be used to fill such a gap or gaps to allow the pads 114 to have an adequate amount of contact area with the head of the individual 102 such that the pads 114 can collectively provide the inner padding system 108 with a certain system stiffness. For instance, the fitting pads 202 can be used to allow the pads 114 to collectively provide the inner padding system 108 with a certain system stiffness that can reduce linear and/or rotational acceleration during an impact as described above with reference to FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of another example helmet 300 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The helmet 300 is an example of an alternative embodiment of the helmet 100 described above with reference to FIG. 1 . The difference between the helmet 300 and the helmet 100 is that the helmet 300 can include an outer padding system 302 that can be coupled to the outer surface 110 of the outer shell 104.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 3 , the outer padding system 302 can include a pad 304 that can be coupled to the outer surface 110 of the outer shell 104. The pad 304 can be formed using a single material having a single stiffness value or multiple materials that each have a different stiffness value. The pad 304 can be formed using vinyl nitrile, or another material in some cases. In one example, the pad 304 can be formed using at least one of VN 600, VN 740, or VN 1000, or another vinyl nitrile material in some cases. In the example depicted in FIG. 3 , the pad 304 can be formed using VN 600. In this example, the pad 304 can have a thickness of approximately 0.8 cm. However, in some cases, the pad 304 can have a thickness that is greater or less than 0.8 cm.

By comparison to the helmet 100, the helmet 300 can provide additional protection to the individual 102 when wearing the helmet 300 during an impact. For example, the helmet 300, including the outer padding system 302 and the pad 304, can further reduce at least one of the linear or rotational acceleration to the head of the individual 102 during an impact when compared to the helmet 100. Also, by comparison to the helmet 100, the outer padding system 302 and the pad 304 can provide better stability for the helmet 300 on the head of the individual 102 when worn. In addition, the pad 304 can provide at least some protection for a person that may be near the individual 102 wearing the helmet 300 during an accident. In particular, the pad 304 can mitigate an impact the person would otherwise have with the outer shell 104 of the helmet 300 during the accident if the helmet 300 did not include the pad 304.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of another example helmet 400 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The helmet 400 is an example of an alternative embodiment of the helmet 100 described above with reference to FIG. 1 . The difference between the helmet 400 and the helmet 100 is that the helmet 400 can include an outer padding system 402 that can be coupled to the outer surface 110 of the outer shell 104.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 4 , the outer padding system 402 can include multiple pads 404 (hereinafter, “the pads 404”) that can be coupled to the outer surface 110 of the outer shell 104. Only one of the pads 404 is denoted in FIG. 4 for clarity. Any or all of the pads 404 can be formed using a single material having a single stiffness value or multiple materials that each have a different stiffness value. Any or all of the pads 404 can be formed using vinyl nitrile, or another material in some cases. In one example, any or all of the pads 404 can be formed using at least one of VN 600, VN 740, or VN 1000, or another vinyl nitrile material in some cases. In the example depicted in FIG. 4 , each of the pads 404 can be formed using VN 600. In this example, each of the pads 404 can have a thickness of approximately 0.8 cm. However, in some cases, any or all of the pads 404 can have a thickness that is greater or less than 0.8 cm.

By comparison to the helmet 100, the helmet 400 can provide additional protection to the individual 102 when wearing the helmet 400 during an impact. For example, the helmet 400, including the outer padding system 402 and the pads 404, can further reduce at least one of the linear or rotational acceleration to the head of the individual 102 during an impact when compared to the helmet 100. Also, by comparison to the helmet 100, the outer padding system 402 and the pads 404 can provide better stability for the helmet 400 on the head of the individual 102 when worn. In addition, the pads 404 can provide at least some protection for a person that may be near the individual 102 wearing the helmet 400 during an accident. In particular, the pads 404 can mitigate any impact the person may have with the outer shell 104 of the helmet 400 during the accident.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example force versus displacement graph 500 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the force versus displacement graph 500 (“the graph 500”), the force is denoted in units of kilonewtons (kN), and the displacement is denoted in units of millimeters (mm). The graph 500 illustrates different plots representing experimental results of the respective displacements of different materials in response to an applied force. Each of such materials have a different stiffness. Each line plotted in the graph 500 corresponds to a certain material having a certain stiffness.

The graph 500 can be generated using a material testing system. The material testing system can be used to test each material under the same conditions and parameters to determine their respective displacements in response to an applied force. To generate the graph 500, each sample of material tested was formed to a diameter and a height of approximately 3.75 cm and 5 cm, respectively. Once generated, the graph 500 can be used to evaluate the relative stiffnesses of different materials. In one example, the graph 500 can be used to determine which material or materials and which stiffness or stiffnesses should be used to form any of the pads and/or padding systems described herein. For instance, the graph 500 can be used to determine which material(s) and stiffness(es) should be used to form any or all of the pads 114, the fitting pads 202, the pad 304, and the pads 404 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 . In this example, the graph 500 can be used to determine which material(s) and stiffness(es) should be used to form any or all of the pads 114 such that they collectively provide the inner padding system 108 with a certain system stiffness that can reduce linear and/or rotational acceleration to the head of the individual 102 during an impact.

The plots 502, 504, 506 in the graph 500 correspond to VN 600, VN 740, and VN 1000, respectively. The plots 508, 510, 512, 514 in the graph 500 correspond to different materials used in certain existing whitewater helmets that are considered to be the relatively best whitewater helmets currently available. It can be determined from the graph 500 that the materials used for the plots 508, 510, 512, 514 have a relatively lower stiffness compared to other materials used in existing whitewater helmets tested, whose corresponding plots are illustrated in the graph 500 but not denoted in FIG. 5 for clarity. As can be seen in the graph 500, such other existing whitewater helmets have stiffnesses that are relatively too stiff or too soft to effectively reduce either the linear or rotational acceleration to an individual's head during an impact. From the graph 500, it can be determined that the plots 508, 510, 512, 514 have a combined average slope of approximately 0.035 kN/mm, whereas the plots 502, 504 respectively have a stiffness of 0.024 kN/mm and 0.29 kN/mm. Additionally, it can be determined from the graph 500 that the plots 508, 510, 512, 514 have an average energy absorption of 1.23 joules (J), whereas the plots 502, 504 respectively have an energy absorption of 1.27 J and 1.04 J.

Based on a comparison of the plots 502, 504, 506 with the plots 508, 510, 512, 514, it can be seen that the plots 502, 504 have a relatively lower stiffness than the plots 508, 510, 512, 514, while also having similar energy absorptions as that of the plots 508, 510, 512, 514. As a material having a relatively low stiffness and high energy absorption is ideal for reducing head injury risk because of its ability to absorb an impact force at a high rate, the graph 500 demonstrates the relatively superior stiffness properties of the VN 600 and VN 740 materials for reducing head injury during an impact.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example chart 600 a of peak linear head accelerations according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The chart 600 a is a bar chart representing peak linear head accelerations (denoted as “PLHA” in FIG. 6A) corresponding to the helmet 400 (denoted as “H₄₀₀” in FIG. 6A) and twenty-one different existing whitewater helmets (denoted as “H₁,” “H₂,” “H₃,” “H₄,” “H₅,” “H₆,” “H₇,” “H₈,” “H₉,” “H₁₀,” “H₁₁,” “H₁₂,” “H₁₃,” “H₁₄,” “H₁₅,” “H₁₆,” “H₁₇,” “His,” “H₁₉,” “H₂₀,” “H₂₁,” in FIG. 6A). The peak linear head accelerations in the chart 600 a are denoted in units of grams (g). The helmets H₁, H₂, H₃, H₄, H₅, H₆, H₇, H₈, H₉, H₁₀, H₁₁, H₁₂, H₁₃, H₁₄, H₁₅, H₁₆, H₁₇, H₁₈, H₁₉, H₂₀, H₂₁ are the existing whitewater helmets described above with reference to FIG. 5 that include the different materials that were tested to generate the graph 500.

The chart 600 a can be generated using an impact testing system and methodology. The impact testing system and methodology can be used to test each helmet according to the same impact testing procedure, standard, and criteria to determine their respective performance in terms of peak linear head acceleration. In one example, the chart 600 a can be generated using the “Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk (STAR)” system and methodology described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2023/0045678, titled “WHITEWATER HELMET EVALUATION SYSTEM AND METHOD,” filed Aug. 3, 2022, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

To generate the chart 600 a, the pads 114 of the inner padding system 108 and the pads 404 of the outer padding system 402 included with the helmet 400 (H₄₀₀) were all formed using VN 600 material. Additionally, each of the pads 114 were formed to a diameter and a height of approximately 3.75 cm and 2.7 cm, respectively, while each of the pads 404 were formed to a height of approximately 0.8 cm. Further, to generate the chart 600 a, the helmet 400 (H₄₀₀) and each of the helmets H₁, H₂, H₃, H₄, H₅, H₆, H₇, H₈, H₉, H₁₀, H₁₁, H₁₂, H₁₃, H₁₄, H₁₅, H₁₆, H₁₇, H₁₈, H₁₉, H₂₀, H₂₁ were impact tested in a 4.9 meters/second (m/s) front impact configuration. Once generated, the chart 600 a can be used to evaluate the relative performance of each helmet with respect to the peak linear head acceleration of an individual's head during an impact.

It can be seen from the chart 600 a that the helmet 400 (H₄₀₀) provides a reduction in peak linear head acceleration of approximately forty percent (40%) compared to the relatively best performing existing helmet H₁. It should be appreciated that such a reduction in peak linear head acceleration by the helmet 400 (H₄₀₀) can be attributed in large part to the system stiffness of the inner padding system 108 provided by the pads 114. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the pads 404 of the outer padding system 402 also attributed to such a reduction in peak linear head acceleration by the helmet 400 (H₄₀₀).

FIG. 6B illustrates an example chart 600 b of peak rotational head accelerations according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The chart 600 b is a bar chart representing peak rotational head accelerations (denoted as “PRHA” in FIG. 6B) corresponding to the helmet 400 (denoted as “H₄₀₀” in FIG. 6B) and the twenty-one different existing whitewater helmets H₁, H₂, H₃, H₄, H₅, H₆, H₇, H₈, H₉, H₁₀, H₁₁, H₁₂, H₁₃, H₁₄, H₁₅, H₁₆, H₁₇, H₁₈, H₁₉, H₂₀, H₂₁ described above with reference to FIG. 6A. The peak rotational head accelerations in the chart 600 b are denoted in units of radians/second squared (rad/s²).

The chart 600 b can be generated using an impact testing system and methodology. The impact testing system and methodology can be used to test each helmet according to the same impact testing procedure, standard, and criteria to determine their respective performance in terms of peak rotational head acceleration. In one example, the chart 600 b can be generated using the “Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk (STAR)” system and methodology described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2023/0045678, titled “WHITEWATER HELMET EVALUATION SYSTEM AND METHOD,” filed Aug. 3, 2022.

To generate the chart 600 b, the pads 114 of the inner padding system 108 and the pads 404 of the outer padding system 402 included with the helmet 400 (H₄₀₀) were all formed using VN 600 material. Additionally, each of the pads 114 were formed to a diameter and a height of approximately 3.75 cm and 2.7 cm, respectively, while each of the pads 404 were formed to a height of approximately 0.8 cm. Further, to generate the chart 600 b, the helmet 400 (H₄₀₀) and each of the helmets H₁, H₂, H₃, H₄, H₅, H₆, H₇, H₈, H₉, H₁₀, H₁₁, H₁₂, H₁₃, H₁₄, H₁₅, H₁₆, H₁₇, H₁₈, H₁₉, H₂₀, H₂₁ were impact tested in a 4.9 meters/second (m/s) front impact configuration. Once generated, the chart 600 b can be used to evaluate the relative performance of each helmet with respect to the peak rotational head acceleration of an individual's head during an impact.

It can be seen from the chart 600 b that the helmet 400 (H₄₀₀) provides a reduction in peak rotational head acceleration of approximately forty percent (40%) compared to the relatively best performing existing helmet H₁. It should be appreciated that such a reduction in peak rotational head acceleration by the helmet 400 (H₄₀₀) can be attributed in large part to the system stiffness of the inner padding system 108 provided by the pads 114. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the pads 404 of the outer padding system 402 also attributed to such a reduction in peak rotational head acceleration by the helmet 400 (H₄₀₀).

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example computer-implemented method 700 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one example, the computer-implemented method 700 (hereinafter, “the method 700”) can be implemented to design and evaluate any of the helmets and/or padding systems described herein. For instance, the method 700 can be implemented to design and evaluate at least one of the helmet 100, the inner padding system 108, the helmet 200, the helmet 300, the outer padding system 302, the pad 304, the helmet 400, the outer padding system 402, or the pads 404. More specifically, in this example, the method 700 can be implemented to design the pads 114 and the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L such that the pads 114 can collectively provide a certain system stiffness for the inner padding system 108. For instance, the method 700 can be implemented to design the pads 114 and the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L such that the inner padding system 108 can have a certain system stiffness that can better reduce the linear and/or rotational acceleration to the head of the individual 102 during an impact when compared to existing helmets.

At 702, the method 700 can include evaluating different arrangements of cylindrical pads coupled to an inner surface of an outer shell of a helmet. As described below, each arrangement can be evaluated using the system and methodology described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2023/0045678, and each evaluation of each arrangement can result in or produce a rating metric (e.g., a STAR rating) as an output of the evaluation. For example, at 702, the method 700 can include evaluating different arrangements of the pads 114 that can be individually coupled to the inner surface 112 of the outer shell 104 of the helmet 400 based on system stiffnesses corresponding to the different arrangements. In this example, each of the system stiffnesses also corresponds to a certain linear head acceleration and a certain rotational head acceleration for each different arrangement of the pads 114. Consequently, such evaluation at 702 of the method 700 can include evaluating the different arrangements of the pads 114 individually coupled to the inner surface 112 of the outer shell 104 of the helmet 400 based on at least one of the linear head acceleration or the rotational head acceleration corresponding to each different pad arrangement.

In some examples, at 702, the method 700 can include evaluating different arrangements of the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L on the inner surface 112 of the outer shell 104 of the helmet 400 based on system stiffnesses and/or head accelerations corresponding to the different arrangements. In other examples, at 702, the method 700 can include evaluating different arrangements of the pads 114 in each of the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L on the inner surface 112 of the outer shell 104 of the helmet 400 based on system stiffnesses and/or head accelerations corresponding to the different arrangements. In one example, at 702, the method 700 can include evaluating both the different arrangements of the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L on the inner surface 112 of the outer shell 104 of the helmet 400 and the different arrangements of the pads 114 in each of the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L, based on system stiffnesses and/or head accelerations corresponding to the different arrangements.

In some cases, such evaluation at 702 of the method 700 can be performed using an impact testing system and methodology to test and evaluate multiple helmets 400 that each have a different arrangement of the pads 114 and/or the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L. In one example, such evaluation at 702 of the method 700 can be performed using the “Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk (STAR)” system and methodology described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2023/0045678, titled “WHITEWATER HELMET EVALUATION SYSTEM AND METHOD,” filed Aug. 3, 2022. In some cases, such evaluation at 702 of the method 700 can be performed using impact testing simulation software that can simulate the impact testing of and results for multiple helmets 400 that each have a different arrangement of the pads 114 and/or the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L.

At 704, the method 700 can include identifying an arrangement of the cylindrical pads that corresponds to a defined system stiffness. For example, at 704, the method 700 can include identifying an arrangement of the pads 114 individually coupled to the inner surface 112 of the outer shell 104 of the helmet 400 that corresponds to a certain system stiffness based on evaluation of different arrangements of the pads 114. For instance, at 704, the method 700 can include identifying one of the above-described different arrangements of the pads 114 and/or the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L that creates a certain system stiffness for the inner padding system 108 and provides at least one of a desired linear head acceleration or a desired rotational head acceleration for the helmet 400.

In some cases, the identification of such a pad and/or pad cluster arrangement at 704 of the method 700 can be performed using an impact testing system and methodology to test and evaluate multiple helmets 400 that each have a different arrangement of the pads 114 and/or the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L. In these cases, the impact testing system and methodology can be used to generate charts similar to the charts 600 a, 600 b described above with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. In these cases, such charts can include linear and rotational head accelerations for each of the helmets 400 having different arrangements of the pads 114 and/or the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L. In these cases, such charts can be used to identify an arrangement of the pads 114 and/or the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L in one of the different helmets 400 that provides such a helmet with at least one of a desired linear head acceleration or a desired rotational head acceleration. In one example, the identification of such a pad and/or pad cluster arrangement at 704 of the method 700 can be performed using the “Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk (STAR)” system and methodology described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2023/0045678, titled “WHITEWATER HELMET EVALUATION SYSTEM AND METHOD,” filed Aug. 3, 2022.

In some cases, the identification of such a pad and/or pad cluster arrangement at 704 of the method 700 can be performed using impact testing simulation software noted above that can simulate the impact testing of and results for multiple helmets 400 that each have a different arrangement of the pads 114 and/or the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L. In these cases, such impact testing simulation software can be used to identify an arrangement of the pads 114 and/or the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L in one of the different helmets 400 that provides such a helmet with at least one of a desired linear head acceleration or a desired rotational head acceleration.

In some cases, the identification of such a pad and/or pad cluster arrangement at 704 of the method 700 can be performed using a predictive model such as, for instance, at least one of a machine learning (ML) model, an artificial intelligence (AI) model, or another predictive model. In these cases, such a predictive model can be used to predict the relatively best arrangement of the pads 114 and/or the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L that creates a certain system stiffness for the inner padding system 108 and provides at least one of a desired linear head acceleration or a desired rotational head acceleration for the helmet 400.

At 706, the method 700 can include designing an inner padding system of the helmet based on the arrangement. For example, at 706, the method 700 can include designing the inner padding system 108 of the helmet 400 based on identification at 704 of the arrangement of the pads 114 and/or the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L that creates a certain system stiffness for the inner padding system 108. For instance, at 706, the method 700 can include designing the inner padding system 108 of the helmet 400 using the arrangement of the pads 114 and/or the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L identified at 704 as being the arrangement that provides at least one of a desired linear head acceleration or a desired rotational head acceleration for the helmet 400.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 7 , in some cases, the method 700 can further include evaluating different combinations of the inner padding system 108 with at least one of the outer padding system 302 or the outer padding system 402 based on head accelerations corresponding to the different combinations. For instance, in these cases, the method 700 can further include evaluating different combinations of various arrangements of the pads 114 and/or the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L with the pad 304 based on head accelerations corresponding to the different combinations. Similarly, in these cases, the method 700 can further include evaluating different combinations of various arrangements of the pads 114 and/or the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L with the pads 404 based on head accelerations corresponding to the different combinations. In these cases, such evaluation of the different combinations can be performed using any of the systems and/or methods described above at 702 of the method 700.

Additionally, although not illustrated in FIG. 7 , in some cases the method 700 can further include identifying a combination of the inner padding system 108 with the outer padding system 302 or the outer padding system 402 that provides at least one of a desired linear or rotational head acceleration based on evaluation of the different padding system combinations described above. For instance, in these cases, the method 700 can further include identifying a combination of the pads 114 and/or the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L with the pad 304 or the pads 404 that provides at least one of a desired linear or rotational head acceleration based on evaluation of the different padding combinations. In these cases, the identification of such a combination can be achieved using any of the systems and/or methods described above at 702 of the method 700. In addition, in these cases, the method 700 can further include designing the inner padding system 108 of at least one of the helmet 300 or the helmet 400 based on the identification of a combination of the pads 114 and/or the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L with the pad 304 or the pads 404 that provides at least one of a desired linear or rotational head acceleration.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an example computing device 800 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The computing device 800 can be used to design, fabricate, and/or evaluate any of the helmets and padding systems described herein. In one example, the computing device 800 can be used to design, fabricate, and/or evaluate at least one of the helmet 100, the inner padding system 108, the helmet 200, the helmet 300, the outer padding system 302, the pad 304, the helmet 400, the outer padding system 402, or the pads 404. In some cases, the computing device 800 can be used to perform the method 700 described above with reference to FIG. 7 .

The computing device 800 can include at least one processing system, for example, having at least one processor 802 and at least one memory 804, both of which can be coupled (e.g., communicatively, electrically, operatively) to a local interface 806. The memory 804 can include a data store 808, a helmet design service 810, a material test module 812, a helmet fabrication module 814, a helmet evaluation module 816, and a communications stack 818 in the example shown. The computing device 800 can be coupled to a material test system 820, a helmet fabrication system 822, and an impact test system 824 in this example. The computing device 800 can also include other components that are not illustrated in FIG. 8 . In some cases, the computing device 800 may or may not include all the components illustrated in FIG. 8 . For example, in some cases, depending on how the computing device 800 is embodied or implemented, the memory 804 may or may not include at least one of the helmet design service 810, the material test module 812, the helmet fabrication module 814, the helmet evaluation module 816, or other components.

The processor 802 can include any processing device (e.g., a processor core, a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a controller, a microcontroller, or a quantum processor) and can include one or multiple processors that can be operatively connected. In some examples, the processor 802 can include one or more complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessors, one or more reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessors, one or more very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessors, or one or more processors that are configured to implement other instruction sets.

The memory 804 can be embodied as one or more memory devices and store data and software or executable-code components executable by the processor 802. For example, the memory 804 can store executable-code components associated with the helmet design service 810, the material test module 812, the helmet fabrication module 814, the helmet evaluation module 816, and the communications stack 818 for execution by the processor 802. The memory 804 can also store data such as the data described below that can be stored in the data store 808, among other data. For instance, the memory 804 can also store at least one of the graph 500, the chart 600 a, or the chart 600 b described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 .

The memory 804 can store other executable-code components for execution by the processor 802. For example, an operating system can be stored in the memory 804 for execution by the processor 802. Where any component discussed herein is implemented in the form of software, any one of a number of programming languages can be employed such as, for example, C, C++, C#, Objective C, JAVA®, JAVASCRIPT®, Perl, PHP, VISUAL BASIC®, PYTHON®, RUBY, FLASH®, or other programming languages.

As discussed above, the memory 804 can store software for execution by the processor 802. In this respect, the terms “executable” or “for execution” refer to software forms that can ultimately be run or executed by the processor 802, whether in source, object, machine, or other form. Examples of executable programs include, for instance, a compiled program that can be translated into a machine code format and loaded into a random access portion of the memory 804 and executed by the processor 802, source code that can be expressed in an object code format and loaded into a random access portion of the memory 804 and executed by the processor 802, source code that can be interpreted by another executable program to generate instructions in a random access portion of the memory 804 and executed by the processor 802, or other executable programs or code.

The local interface 806 can be embodied as a data bus with an accompanying address/control bus or other addressing, control, and/or command lines. In part, the local interface 806 can be embodied as, for instance, an on-board diagnostics (OBD) bus, a controller area network (CAN) bus, a local interconnect network (LIN) bus, a media oriented systems transport (MOST) bus, ethernet, or another network interface.

The data store 808 can include data for the computing device 800 such as, for instance, one or more unique identifiers for the computing device 800, digital certificates, encryption keys, session keys and session parameters for communications, and other data for reference and processing. The data store 808 can also store computer-readable instructions for execution by the computing device 800 via the processor 802, including instructions for the helmet design service 810, the material test module 812, the helmet fabrication module 814, the helmet evaluation module 816, and the communications stack 818. In some cases, the data store 808 can also store at least one of the graph 500, the chart 600 a, or the chart 600 b described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 .

The helmet design service 810 can be embodied as one or more software applications or services executing on the computing device 800. For example, the helmet design service 810 can be embodied as and can include the material test module 812, the helmet fabrication module 814, the helmet evaluation module 816, and other executable modules or services. The helmet design service 810 can be executed by the processor 802 to implement at least one of the material test module 812, the helmet fabrication module 814, or the helmet evaluation module 816. Each of the material test module 812, the helmet fabrication module 814, and the helmet evaluation module 816 can also be respectively embodied as one or more software applications or services executing on the computing device 800. In one example, the helmet design service 810 can be executed by the processor 802 to design, fabricate, and/or evaluate at least one of the helmet 100, the inner padding system 108, the helmet 200, the helmet 300, the outer padding system 302, the pad 304, the helmet 400, the outer padding system 402, or the pads 404 using the material test module 812, the helmet fabrication module 814, and the helmet evaluation module 816 as described herein.

The material test module 812 can be embodied or implemented as one or more software applications or services executing on the computing device 800. The material test module 812 can be executed by the processor 802 to control the material test system 820 described below. For instance, the material test module 812 can operate the material test system 820 to test different materials under the same conditions and parameters to determine their respective displacements in response to an applied force. Based on such material testing, the material test module 812 can use the test results to generate a force versus displacement graph. The force versus displacement graph can then be used by, for instance, the helmet design service 810 to determine which material or materials and which stiffness or stiffnesses of such material(s) should be used to form one or more of the pads of any helmet described herein.

In one example, the material test module 812 can operate the material test system 820 to test the different materials of the above-described existing whitewater helmets H₁, H₂, H₃, H₄, H₅, H₆, H₇, H₈, H₉, H₁₀, H₁₁, H₁₂, H₁₃, H₁₄, H₁₅, H₁₆, H₁₇, H₁₈, H₁₉, H₂₀, H₂₁, as well as samples of VN 600, VN 740, and VN 1000. In this example, the material test module 812 can operate the material test system 820 such that it tests each of these materials under the same conditions and parameters to determine their respective displacements in response to an applied force. Based on such material testing, the material test module 812 can use the test results in this example to generate the graph 500 described above with reference to FIG. 5 . The graph 500 can then be used by, for instance, the helmet design service 810 to determine which material or materials and which stiffness or stiffnesses of such material(s) should be used to form one or more of the pads of any helmet described herein.

The helmet fabrication module 814 can be embodied or implemented as one or more software applications or services executing on the computing device 800. The helmet fabrication module 814 can be executed by the processor 802 to control the helmet fabrication system 822 described below. For instance, the helmet fabrication module 814 can operate the helmet fabrication system 822 to fabricate any of the helmets described herein. In one example, the helmet fabrication module 814 can operate the helmet fabrication system 822 to fabricate a plurality of the helmet 400 using a different combination of helmet specifications for each helmet. For example, the helmet fabrication module 814 can operate the helmet fabrication system 822 to fabricate different versions of the helmet 400 using different combinations of pad sizes, shapes, materials, stiffnesses, and arrangements for the pads 114, the pad clusters F, B, T, R, and L, and the pads 404.

In one example, the helmet design service 810 can define the different combinations of helmet specifications that can be used to fabricate the different versions of the helmet 400. For instance, the helmet design service 810 can define such different combinations of helmet specifications based on at least one of empirical, predicted, or simulated helmet performance data corresponding to any or all of such different combinations of helmet specifications. In some cases, the helmet design service 810 can define the different combinations of helmet specifications based on empirical impact test results obtained for other combinations of helmet specifications that are similar to any or all of the combinations defined by the helmet design service 810. In other cases, the helmet design service 810 can define the different combinations of helmet specifications based on performance data that has been predicted by a predictive ML or AI model that can predict impact test results for various combinations of helmet specifications. In still other cases, the helmet design service 810 can define the different combinations of helmet specifications based on simulated impact test results that the helmet design service 810 can obtain for such different combinations by using simulation software.

The helmet evaluation module 816 can be embodied or implemented as one or more software applications or services executing on the computing device 800. The helmet evaluation module 816 can be executed by the processor 802 to control the impact test system 824 described below. For instance, the helmet evaluation module 816 can operate the impact test system 824 to evaluate the performance of the helmets 400 that can be fabricated according to different combinations of helmet specifications as described above.

In one example, the helmet evaluation module 816 can operate the impact test system 824 to evaluate the performance of such helmets 400 by implementing the “Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk (STAR)” methodology described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2023/0045678, titled “WHITEWATER HELMET EVALUATION SYSTEM AND METHOD,” filed Aug. 3, 2022. In this example, the helmet design service 810 can evaluate the test results obtained from implementing such methodology to identify a certain combination of helmet specifications for the helmet 400 that creates a desired system stiffness for at least one of the inner padding system 108 or the helmet 400 as a whole. In this example, such a desired system stiffness can be a certain system stiffness that reduces at least one of linear or rotational head acceleration during an impact. In this example, the helmet design service 810 can then design the helmet 400 to any standard size using such an identified combination of helmet specifications that reduces linear and/or rotational head accelerations during an impact.

The communications stack 818 can include software and hardware layers to implement data communications such as, for instance, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), WiFi®, cellular data communications interfaces, or a combination thereof. Thus, the communications stack 818 can be relied upon by the computing device 800 to establish cellular, Bluetooth®, WiFi®, and other communications channels with one or more networks and one or more devices or systems external to the computing device 800.

The communications stack 818 can include the software and hardware to implement Bluetooth®, BLE, and related networking interfaces, which provide for a variety of different network configurations and flexible networking protocols for short-range, low-power wireless communications. The communications stack 818 can also include the software and hardware to implement WiFi® communication, and cellular communication, which also offers a variety of different network configurations and flexible networking protocols for mid-range, long-range, wireless, and cellular communications. The communications stack 818 can also incorporate the software and hardware to implement other communications interfaces, such as X10®, ZigBee®, Z-Wave®, and others. The communications stack 818 can be configured to communicate various data to and from a device or system that is external to the computing device 800.

The material test system 820 can be configured and operable to test different materials under the same conditions and parameters to determine their respective displacements in response to an applied force. Based on such material testing, the material test module 812 can use the test results to generate a force versus displacement graph such as, for instance, the graph 500 as described above.

The helmet fabrication system 822 can be configured and operable to fabricate any of the helmets described herein and/or one or more components thereof. In one example, the helmet fabrication system 822 can include a 3D printing device such as, for instance, a 3D printer. In this example, such a 3D printer can be operated by the helmet fabrication module 814 to fabricate the outer shell 104 of any helmet described herein using a 3D printing process. In another example, the helmet fabrication system 822 can include a material cutting device, such as at least one of a drill device, a saw device, a scissor device, or another material cutting device. In this example, such a material cutting device can be operated by the helmet fabrication module 814 to form any of the pads and padding systems described herein, such as one or more of the pads 114, the fitting pads 202, the pad 304, and the pads 404. In another example, the helmet fabrication system 822 can include a coupling device that can be operated by the helmet fabrication module 814 to couple any or all of the pads 114, the pad 304, and the pads 404 to the outer shell 104.

The impact test system 824 can be configured and operable to test any helmet described herein according to the same impact testing procedure, standard, and criteria to determine their respective performance in terms of at least one of peak linear or rotational head acceleration. In one example, the impact test system 824 can be operated by the helmet evaluation module 816 to test any helmet described herein according to the “Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk (STAR)” methodology described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2023/0045678, titled “WHITEWATER HELMET EVALUATION SYSTEM AND METHOD,” filed Aug. 3, 2022.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , an executable program can be stored in any portion or component of the memory 804 including, for example, a random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic or other hard disk drive, solid-state, semiconductor, universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, memory card, optical disc (e.g., compact disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD)), floppy disk, magnetic tape, or other types of memory devices.

In various embodiments, the memory 804 can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory and data storage components. Volatile components are those that do not retain data values upon loss of power. Nonvolatile components are those that retain data upon a loss of power. Thus, the memory 804 can include, for example, a RAM, ROM, magnetic or other hard disk drive, solid-state, semiconductor, or similar drive, USB flash drive, memory card accessed via a memory card reader, floppy disk accessed via an associated floppy disk drive, optical disc accessed via an optical disc drive, magnetic tape accessed via an appropriate tape drive, and/or other memory component, or any combination thereof. In addition, the RAM can include, for example, a static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), or magnetic random-access memory (MRAM), and/or other similar memory device. The ROM can include, for example, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other similar memory device.

As discussed above, the helmet design service 810, the material test module 812, the helmet fabrication module 814, the helmet evaluation module 816, and the communications stack 818 can each be embodied, at least in part, by software or executable-code components for execution by general purpose hardware. Alternatively, the same can be embodied in dedicated hardware or a combination of software, general, specific, and/or dedicated purpose hardware. If embodied in such hardware, each can be implemented as a circuit or state machine, for example, that employs any one of or a combination of a number of technologies. These technologies can include, but are not limited to, discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing various logic functions upon an application of one or more data signals, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having appropriate logic gates, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other components.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , the flowchart or process diagram shown in FIG. 7 is representative of certain processes, functionality, and operations of the embodiments discussed herein. Each block can represent one or a combination of steps or executions in a process. Alternatively, or additionally, each block can represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes program instructions to implement the specified logical function(s). The program instructions can be embodied in the form of source code that includes human-readable statements written in a programming language or machine code that includes numerical instructions recognizable by a suitable execution system such as the processor 802. The machine code can be converted from the source code. Further, each block can represent, or be connected with, a circuit or a number of interconnected circuits to implement a certain logical function or process step.

Although the flowchart or process diagram shown in FIG. 7 illustrates a specific order, it is understood that the order can differ from that which is depicted. For example, an order of execution of two or more blocks can be scrambled relative to the order shown. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession can be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Further, in some embodiments, one or more of the blocks can be skipped or omitted. In addition, any number of counters, state variables, warning semaphores, or messages might be added to the logical flow described herein, for purposes of enhanced utility, accounting, performance measurement, or providing troubleshooting aids. Such variations, as understood for implementing the process consistent with the concepts described herein, are within the scope of the embodiments.

Also, any logic or application described herein, including the helmet design service 810, the material test module 812, the helmet fabrication module 814, the helmet evaluation module 816, and the communications stack 818 can be embodied, at least in part, by software or executable-code components, can be embodied or stored in any tangible or non-transitory computer-readable medium or device for execution by an instruction execution system such as a general-purpose processor. In this sense, the logic can be embodied as, for example, software or executable-code components that can be fetched from the computer-readable medium and executed by the instruction execution system. Thus, the instruction execution system can be directed by execution of the instructions to perform certain processes such as those illustrated in FIG. 7 . In the context of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium can be any tangible medium that can contain, store, or maintain any logic, application, software, or executable-code component described herein for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system.

The computer-readable medium can include any physical media such as, for example, magnetic, optical, or semiconductor media. More specific examples of suitable computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic tapes, magnetic floppy diskettes, magnetic hard drives, memory cards, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, or optical discs. Also, the computer-readable medium can include a RAM including, for example, an SRAM, DRAM, or MRAM. In addition, the computer-readable medium can include a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or other similar memory device.

Disjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is to be understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, or the like, can be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to be each present.

As referenced herein, the term “user” refers to at least one of a human, an end-user, a consumer, a computing device and/or program (e.g., a processor, computing hardware and/or software, an application), an agent, an ML and/or AI model, and/or another type of user that can implement and/or facilitate implementation of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure as described herein, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and/or included in the appended claims. As referred to herein, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” As referenced herein, the terms “or” and “and/or” are generally intended to be inclusive, that is (i.e.), “A or B” or “A and/or B” are each intended to mean “A or B or both.” As referred to herein, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so on, can be used interchangeably to distinguish one component or entity from another and are not intended to signify location, functionality, or importance of the individual components or entities. As referenced herein, the terms “couple,” “couples,” “coupled,” and/or “coupling” refer to chemical coupling (e.g., chemical bonding), communicative coupling, electrical and/or electromagnetic coupling (e.g., capacitive coupling, inductive coupling, direct and/or connected coupling), mechanical coupling, operative coupling, optical coupling, and/or physical coupling.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. 

Therefore, at least the following is claimed:
 1. A helmet for an individual, comprising: an outer shell having an inner surface; and a padding system coupled to the inner surface, the padding system comprising pad clusters that are respectively positioned at different locations on the inner surface, each of the pad clusters comprising discrete pads that are individually coupled to the inner surface in a defined arrangement.
 2. The helmet of claim 1, wherein each of the discrete pads comprises a discrete cylindrical pad.
 3. The helmet of claim 1, wherein each of the discrete pads comprises a discrete solid cylindrical pad or a discrete hollow cylindrical pad.
 4. The helmet of claim 1, wherein each of the discrete pads comprises a vinyl nitrile material.
 5. The helmet of claim 1, wherein one or more first discrete pads of the discrete pads comprise at least one of a first material or a first stiffness that is different than at least one of a second material or a second stiffness, respectively, of one or more second discrete pads of the discrete pads.
 6. The helmet of claim 1, wherein at least one of the discrete pads comprises a first vinyl nitrile material having a first stiffness and a second vinyl nitrile material having a second stiffness.
 7. The helmet of claim 1, wherein one or more first pad clusters of the pad clusters have at least one of a first pad quantity, a first pad arrangement, or a first pad spacing that is different than at least one of a second pad quantity, a second pad arrangement, or a second pad spacing, respectively, of one or more second pad clusters of the pad clusters.
 8. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising at least one fitting pad coupled to at least one of the discrete pads.
 9. A helmet for an individual, comprising: an outer shell having an outer surface and an inner surface; an outer padding system coupled to the outer surface; and an inner padding system coupled to the inner surface, the inner padding system comprising pad clusters that are respectively positioned at different locations on the inner surface, each of the pad clusters comprising discrete pads that are individually coupled to the inner surface in a defined arrangement.
 10. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the outer padding system comprises one or more pads comprising a vinyl nitrile material.
 11. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the outer padding system comprises one or more first pads comprising a first vinyl nitrile material having a first defined stiffness and one or more second pads comprising a second vinyl nitrile material having a second defined stiffness.
 12. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the outer padding system comprises at least one pad comprising a first vinyl nitrile material having a first stiffness and a second vinyl nitrile material having a second stiffness.
 13. The helmet of claim 9, wherein each of the discrete pads comprises a discrete cylindrical pad, a discrete solid cylindrical pad, or a discrete hollow cylindrical pad.
 14. The helmet of claim 9, wherein each of the discrete pads comprises a vinyl nitrile material having a defined stiffness.
 15. The helmet of claim 9, wherein one or more first discrete pads of the discrete pads comprise at least one of a first material or a first stiffness that is different than at least one of a second material or a second stiffness, respectively, of one or more second discrete pads of the discrete pads.
 16. The helmet of claim 9, wherein at least one of the discrete pads comprises a first vinyl nitrile material having a first stiffness and a second vinyl nitrile material having a second stiffness.
 17. The helmet of claim 9, wherein one or more first pad clusters of the pad clusters have at least one of a first pad quantity, a first pad arrangement, or a first pad spacing that is different than at least one of a second pad quantity, a second pad arrangement, or a second pad spacing, respectively, of one or more second pad clusters of the pad clusters.
 18. The helmet of claim 9, further comprising at least one fitting pad coupled to at least one of the discrete pads.
 19. A process of designing a helmet, the process including: evaluating different arrangements of discrete cylindrical pads individually coupled to an inner surface of an outer shell of the helmet based on system stiffnesses corresponding to the different arrangements; identifying an arrangement of the discrete cylindrical pads that corresponds to a defined system stiffness based on evaluation of the different arrangements; and designing an inner padding system of the helmet based on identification of the arrangement of the discrete cylindrical pads that corresponds to the defined system stiffness.
 20. The process of designing a helmet of claim 19, further comprising: evaluating different combinations of the inner padding system with one or more outer pads coupled to an outer surface of the outer shell of the helmet based on head accelerations corresponding to the different combinations; identifying a combination of the inner padding system with the one or more outer pads that corresponds to a defined head acceleration based on evaluation of the different combinations; and designing an outer padding system of the helmet based on identification of the combination of the inner padding system with the one or more outer pads that corresponds to the defined head acceleration. 